It’s difficult to imagine Identity Thief, this year’s biggest comedy, without Melissa McCarthy. But when Jason Bateman and director Seth Gordon (Horrible Bosses) were originally planning their buddy-road movie with its nods to Planes, Trains, and Automobiles and Midnight Run, the Oscar-nominated actress wasn’t part of the picture. In fact, her felonious character who steals people’s identities and maxes out their credit limits wasn’t even a she — it was a he. Then came Bridesmaids, which opened Hollywood’s eyes to a new brand of bawdy female comedy that was the perfect match for Gordon’s R-rated comedy. With McCarthy playing the outrageous, unpredictable crook and Bateman playing the perfect trusted, beleaguered neighbor who could live in your cul-de-sac, Identity Thief scored $133 million at the box office, making it the biggest February opening since Hitch.

Makes you wonder… what were the boys thinking in the first place? I think I speak for everyone, Melissa, when I say, “I visually enjoy you.”

Identity Thief can be downloaded digitally beginning tomorrow, and an Unrated Blu-ray is set for release on June 4. Check out an exclusive video clip that discusses how McCarthy changed everything.